Several inventors had a part in the invention of the radio in the late 1800s.
Amazingly, not just one person can be credited with its beginning. Instead, each component developed through invention and discovery. As these technologies converged, the radio came to life.
THE CONTRIBUTORS
In the paragraphs that follow, a noted international effort contributed to the conception of the radio.
In his country, German physicist Heinrich Hertz’s research proved electricity could be transmitted wirelessly.
Elsewhere, the prolific inventor patented multiple inventions and provided the radio with the Tesla coil.
Born in Croatia, Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer and futurist Nikola Tesla also contributed many patents involving alternating current.
Not only did Tesla make the radio possible, but he also advanced the science and production of numerous other inventions.
However, when it comes to the first commercially available wireless, Italian inventor and electrical engineer Guglielmo Marconi receives the honor.
"In radio, you have two tools. Sound and silence." ~ Ira Glass
Entertainment and music didn’t always fill the airwaves. In fact, the radio’s first function was much more practical.
First, the wireless radio served the military. The radio also provided a regular public service role. Much like the dits and dots of a telegram, the wireless transmitted information.
In 1906, the first radio broadcast of voice and music purely for entertainment purposes aired.
Canadian-born inventor Reginald Fessenden transmitted the program from Brant Rock, Massachusetts for the general public to hear. The scientist would later go on to many more successes in his lifetime.
In 1912, aboard the R.M.S. Titanic at the time of its sinking, a Marconi wireless broadcast the ship’s distress signal.
American inventor Lee de Forest, known as the "Father of Radio", invented the Audion vacuum. This invention made live broadcasting possible.
Born in Iowa on August 26, 1873, de Forest, years later, would become the chief scientist for the first U.S. radio firm, American Wireless Telephone, and Telegraph.
BROADCASTS
The 1920s brought the first broadcast stations to the forefront. Around the world, listeners tuned in for news and world events for the first time.
Other radio facts include:
• Radio ownership grew. In 1931, two out of five homes owned a radio. By 1938, four out of five owned a radio.
• Also in 1938, Orson Welles directed and narrated the infamous "The War of the Worlds" episode of the American radio drama anthology series The Mercury Theatre on the Air.
• On October 1, 1999, the first satellite radio broadcast occurred. 1worldspace aired the broadcast in Africa.
• According to FCC statistics, at the end of 2012, more than 15,000 licensed broadcast radio stations were operating in the United States.
The founder of National Day Calendar® hosts a radio talk show. The “Guru of Geek” Marlo Anderson hosts the Tech Ranch, featuring discussions on technology for everyday life.
HOW TO OBSERVE
To celebrate National Radio Day, listen to your favorite radio station. Give special recognition to the station, radio personalities and the programs that make your days better.
Use #NationalRadioDay to post on social media.
Educators, join the National Day Calendar® Classroom for more ways to Celebrate Every Day. Every week, the classroom offers a variety of lessons and projects to keep children engaged and learning.
HISTORY
National Day Calendar® was unable to find the creator and the origin of National Radio Day.
However, it’s interesting to note that the first commercial radio station began broadcasting on this date in 1920.
Feel free to keep reading for more history on this day.
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